Title: Founder and Therapist
Company: Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC
Location: College Place, Washington, United States
Margarete A. Chase, PhD, Founder and Therapist at Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements and leadership in Psychology.
Dr. Chase’s distinguished career in psychology spans over 35 years, marked by a steadfast commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and advancing the field of family and child psychology. Since 1992, she has served as the founder and therapist at Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC, in Washington, where she provides psychotherapy and counseling services to families and couples. Dr. Chase also manages operations, trains and supervises staff, develops educational curricula for children and adolescents, conducts lectures and educational programs, and writes articles and publishes materials related to her field. Her expertise in family and couples counseling, as well as child psychology, has earned her recognition among peers and clients alike.
Before establishing Persona Psychotherapy Center, PLLC, Dr. Chase practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist in Brazil for 35 years. Her work there included collaborating with the United Nations on projects for street children, partnering with the Brazilian government on child education initiatives, and training foster parents and parenting counselors. Dr. Chase also founded programs to support disadvantaged youth, demonstrating her dedication to improving the lives of children facing adversity.
Outside of her primary work, Dr. Chase’s professional journey included serving as a law office manager for 10 years, where she oversaw administrative operations and supported legal professionals. She also worked as a case manager at CARE in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, providing critical support to individuals navigating complex social service systems. As a research coordinator at the graduate school of the University of Mogi das Cruzes, she contributed to academic research initiatives that informed best practices in psychology. Earlier in her career, Dr. Chase worked in education as both a teacher and principal in Brazil, beginning her teaching career at age 15 after passing rigorous psychological assessments.
Dr. Chase’s academic background is extensive. She received a Master of Arts in education, followed by a Master of Arts in counseling, with highest distinction, a Doctor of Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy. She also holds certification as a licensed mental health counselor, underscoring her commitment to upholding rigorous professional standards.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chase has remained actively engaged with professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Her membership in these associations reflects her ongoing commitment to professional development and adherence to the highest standards of practice.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Chase has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement through volunteer work at Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center and the department of psychology at Wake Forest University, as well as Brenner Hospital, the Children’s Hospital and HopeHill. She has also volunteered with orphanages in India and supported local charities within her community.
The foundation of Dr. Chase’s success lies in her early experiences growing up in Brazil under challenging circumstances. Raised by her mother alongside her sister amid poverty, food insecurity and unstable housing, she developed resilience and empathy that would define her life’s work. These hardships inspired Dr. Chase to dedicate herself to understanding human suffering and supporting others through psychology.
Among Dr. Chase’s most notable achievements was witnessing the growth and transformation of the children she has mentored and taught over the decades. She takes pride in having guided preschool students who have gone on to become accomplished professionals. A pivotal influence in Dr. Chase’s career was Isaac Roisman, who selected her from among a group of candidates to help launch research programs for Brazilian science students pursuing advanced studies abroad. His mentorship played a significant role in shaping her professional trajectory.
Dr. Chase’s lifelong dedication to advancing psychological well-being continues to inspire those around her while leaving an indelible mark on communities across continents. Looking ahead, she intends to continue applying her extensive knowledge of psychology through nonprofit endeavors focused on supporting individuals and children. Drawing on training under a prominent psychiatrist specializing in brain injury cases, she also plans to focus on helping children prevent brain injuries while supporting families in need. Moreover, Dr. Chase aims to guide families to understand the vital importance of both father and mother figures in a child’s development and long-term success by creating lectures, educational materials and resource folders that consolidate her accumulated knowledge for future generations.
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